Beautifully Different: A Night to Learn

The professional panelists included (from left) Ileya Grosman, Abbie Seay, Linda Decker, Kerry Yonushonis and Darrell Causey. (Photo: Kian Adkins Chance)

Most people think they have a good understanding of dyslexia. Actually, it is one of the most misunderstood learning differences.

“Can you read? Can you read backwards? I had dyslexia once.” These are questions and comments that people who have been diagnosed with dyslexia normally hear. Dyslexia affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language. No two dyslexics are the same because dyslexia ranges from mild to profound. It’s not uncommon for dyslexics to suffer from low self-esteem starting at an early age and, if not helped right away, can cause a dyslexic person to be depressed.

Fifty percent of the youth in the juvenile detention system have dyslexia and 60 percent of adolescents in drug and alcohol rehabilitation have dyslexia. But, 50 percent of all NASA employees have dyslexia and 40 percent of self-made millionaires have dyslexia. (Source: Notice Ability) 

The Briarwood School is unique in that almost all students have been diagnosed with a learning difference such as dyslexia. Briarwood is only one of a handful of schools that specialize in teaching kids in the way they learn best. Students at Briarwood are out-of-the-box thinkers who need teachers to teach concepts in a unique way. 

The Briarwood Alumni panel included (from left) Jenny Breton, Josh Dolan, Sarah Munson, Abbie Seay, Aaron Young, Kian Adkins Chance and Kyle Davenport. (Photo: Kian Adkins Chance)

A Dyslexia Awareness Night in October gave many in the community a chance to learn about dyslexia. I was honored to develop the program as part of a Girl Scout Gold Award project. Two panel discussions consisting of highly successful people who have addressed their dyslexia took place.

The participants represented a wide range of experiences and professions including Briarwood’s Assistant Head of School, a diagnostician, a mother whose goal is to complete the Ocean’s 7 Open Water Swim Challenge, a physics and chemistry teacher with his own educational YouTube Channel, a professional photographer, a Life Flight EMT, and an entrepreneur. Each of these panel members’ informative and inspiring dyslexic stories will be highlighted in an upcoming book, Beautifully Different – Dyslexic Success Stories.

On this special night at The Briarwood School, many people left with a better understanding of this unique learning difference called dyslexia. Watch a video of the evening here.